Core Christianity: What Is Christianity All About?

by Elmer L. Towns

There are a growing number of people who have mistaken ideas about Christianity. Why? Because the media’s politically correct agenda has redefined historical religious terms. Meanwhile, liberal Christianity denies the supernatural and explains away anything miraculous. Dr. Towns attempts to answer these problems. He takes the Bible at face value and explains Christianity’s basic concepts beginning with the premise that Christianity is a Person—Jesus Christ. Then chapter-by-chapter, he builds a coherent and consistent case so the reader will correctly understand what Christianity is all about. •The book gives a rational overview of Christianity so the modern mind will interact with God’s claim upon its life. •The book gives a comprehensive coverage of Christianity so the reader will intelligently understand what Christians believe and how they should live.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, School, Religion, Christianity

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Dr. Elmer Towns is a college and seminary professor, an author of popular and scholarly works (the editor of two encyclopedias), a popular seminar lecturer, and dedicated worker in Sunday school, and has developed over 20 resource packets for leadership education. He began teaching at Midwest Bible College, St. Louis, Missouri, for three years and was not satisfied with his textbooks so he began writing his own (he has published over 100 books listed in the Library of Congress, 7 listed in the Christian Booksellers Best Selling List; several becoming accepted as college textbooks. He is also the 1995 recipient of the coveted Gold Medallion Award awarded by the Christian Booksellers Association for writing the Book of the Year, i.e., The Names of the Holy Spirit.

He was President of Winnipeg Bible College for five years, leading it to receive American Accreditation and Provincial authority to offer degrees (1960-1965). He taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in greater Chicago, Illinois, in the field of Religious Education and Evangelism (1965-1971).

He is co-founder of Liberty University, with Jerry Falwell, in 1971, and was the only full-time teacher in the first year of Liberty's existence. Today, the University has over 11,400 students on campus with 39,000 in the Distance Learning Program (now Liberty University Online), and he is the Dean of the School of Religion.

Dr. Towns has given theological lectures and taught intensive seminars at over 50 theological seminaries in America and abroad. He holds visiting professorship rank in five seminaries. He has written over 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and received six honorary doctoral degrees. Four doctoral dissertations have analyzed his contribution to religious education and evangelism.

His personal education includes a B.S. from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a M.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro book for new Christian.

[Matthew William · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book would have been fairly interesting except for the clear political undertones. The long ramble about evolution was totally useless. The main issue I have with this book is the same with other books published by these "Christian" publishers. Do they not have editors? This book has an eye-opening amount of errors.

[Blake Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title indicates this book is a survey of basic Christian teachings. It is easy to understand and is a book that would appeal to lay people in churches.

[Julie Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beginner's Guide and Experienced Christian Back to Basics.

[Kyle Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

Elmer Towns is the co-founder of probably one of the worst universities in the nation (Liberty University), so I came into this book a tad guarded.

In the end, the book had little depth. To my knowledge, "Core Christianity" is designed for new Christians. At the very least, it's designed to teach the reader all about the religion. Well, it didn't do that. Rather, it misquoted several different translations of the bible, told very unbelievable stories that can't possibly be true, and dragged at many places. It also didn't really explain Christianity in a way that most people (specifically nonbelievers and Christians who know little about the bible and it's history) are going to understand.

I gave the book three stars because it's still a book that I'm glad I read. At points, I was reminded why I believe what I believe. I won't be reading this again, but yes, glad I finished it.

[Lesley Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book for new christians or those who want a basic overview of the christian faith. it was a textbook for a class of mine and did a very nice job of covering basic apologetics & doctrine. it is a little on the simplistic side if you are looking for hardcore theology, but if you want an easy, enjoyable read with good content, this is a great choice.

[J.]

Im currently reading this for my Theology course in school and is incredible just as a read in itself. Really puts focus on what it is to be a Christian and the reason why its not a religion.

[LeaAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked it. Great for someone who wants to learn more about Christianity.

[Justin Pote (rhymes with boat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it gave a good reference for all aspects of Christianity.

[Trish Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Jonathan Elwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Comprehensive, rational overview of Christianity for the modern mind. Dr Towns lays out the foundations of the Christian faith in this short work in an understandable way.

[Sawn Medrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

faith, transformation, relationships, discipline, spiritual gifts....how to live authentically and be a part of evangelism through the way you live.